Since the loss of our beloved Wilko, we all feel a twinge of nostalgia walking past the large and somewhat menacing shroud of construction. Behind all the white boarding, it’s not exactly clear what is going on at The Gates, and of course, whether there will be a way (in) without a Wilko. It’s kinda a mystery and to be honest, it’s hard to tell if it’s really safe to walk in. Despite this, I personally find the allure of Poundland all too much and generally just risk it. Imposing entrance or otherwise, it leaves us wondering what exactly is going on.
After a previous life as the Milburngate Shopping Centre, The Gates has been faithfully serving Durham since 1975. By 2014, however, just over 1/3 of the shops were empty, and so this new development marks a new lease of life, as well as 23 refurbished actual retail leases. So here, ladies and gentlemen, is what is really going on behind all the mysterious boards…
To be called the Riverwalk, the first phase to be completed in this exciting new neighbourhood addition is the ‘retail shell’. These 23 new shops should be ready for lease by September this year (get excited!) As well as this, the Riverwalk will boast a 35 000 sq ft restaurant space, which is set to include the Handmade Burger Co. – bringing competition to the central-Durham burger scene. This ‘second shell’ should be completed by June next year. In addition, there will be 253 student housing units. Who knew?! This will be perhaps the ultimate access to the final ‘shell’, which is an Odeon precinct to rival The Gala. 6 screens I tell you! Exciting times. The whole redevelopment will cost an approximated £30 million, with 195 construction jobs and 120 jobs upon full opening of the centre, which will be open by summer 2018.
So there you have it. The specific leases are yet to be revealed, but nevertheless, there promises to be much to look forward to. With public socialising space and a promenade along the river, I’m sure there will be a way without Wilko, and the wound of its passing to the Arnison Centre will be quickly healed.
The retail and restaurant sections will be on the left-hand side nearer to Framwellgate Bridge, with the Odeon to be found in grey on the right-hand side closer to Milburngate bridge. The student housing will be, according to current plans, mostly surrounding the Odeon.